The 5 Fundamental Scrum Values and their Importance

Scrum is, without a doubt, one of the most popular agile frameworks for software development, especially when combined with approaches like Product Discovery Solutions for Software Development, which help teams define the right problems before building solutions.

Since its release, it has introduced five core values that every member of the development team must follow to achieve results efficiently and effectively.

However, even though Scrum is really popular, not everyone knows about these values nor understands them. They are vital for the successful application of Scrum strategies in the development team.

To understand the importance of Scrum Values, first, you need to know what they are and how many there are. Below, you can find a list containing the five essential Scrum Values, together with a brief description of their meaning.

1) Courage

Scrum teams need to have the courage to make the right decisions and to deal with all the problems and obstacles along the way. 

2) Focus

The Scrum Team needs to be focused all along with the development of the project in order to reach all the goals that were set by the project leader.

3) Commitment

Every single member of the Scrum Team must be committed to the task they have been assigned.

4) Respect

Every member of a Scrum Team must respect their colleagues and the work each does. 

5) Openness

Everyone involved in the project, including Scrum Team members, must be open about the work they are doing, including achievements, setbacks, current obstacles, and performance.Courage

Scrum Team members have to be courageous so they can always make the right decisions and deal with whatever problems may come up along the way without second-guessing. Team members must support each other during the decision-making process and the taking of well-informed risks; this way, they will learn from one another and become better throughout the project. Things to keep in mind: 

• Admitting that no one is perfect is the best policy. 
• Being an open book will help the team to become better organized. 
• Delivering undone tasks puts everyone at risk.

Every member of the Scrum Team must understand that focusing on the task at hand is essential to delivering efficient, effective results. When dealing with complex circumstances and unpredictable situations, focusing on specific tasks determines whether we succeed or fail. If everyone’s attention is on their assigned tasks, team members can deliver critical items more quickly.

The product backlog is a crucial element that contains the main items the team focuses on, closely related to the three core Scrum artifacts, which help structure and guide the team’s work.

The Scrum philosophy suggests the following elements in order to gain focus: 

• The team must make sure at least one task is completed by the end of a work cycle.
• Each member should focus on their work and trust that others will do the same. 
• The entire Scrum Team must remain focused on the final objective. 
• The product backlog is a crucial element that lists the main items the team needs to focus on. 
• Work cycles of Scrum Sprints need to have achievable deadlines.

Scrum Team members need to understand that while the project is being developed, they have to be 100% committed. This will help them set achievable goals and realistic deadlines. Every member commits to the success of the team, instead of their individual achievements; This allows us to create a trusting environment and to solve any productivity issues.Respect

You can’t have a successful Scrum Team if its members don’t respect each other. Respect creates an engaging, productive, and humane working environment for everyone.

One of the pillars of the Scrum methodology is transparency and openness. All information regarding the project must be available to everyone involved. This includes all the successes, all the problems, all the fixes, and all the obstacles.

These Scrum values make teamwork unique: highly efficient and transparent.  They teach members to be courageous, committed, honest, respectful, and focused on their work.

Following Scrum values helps the team align and work together to create extraordinary ideas that improve results.

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